Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector for Polk County - Bartow

09/07/2026

Good morning. We are CLOSED today, on Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026). Our regular business hours will resume (tomorrow) Tuesday, September 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thank you!

“By observing this Labor Day holiday each year, we recognize all the dedicated people whose hard work strengthens Polk County every day,” Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder said.

Read more here: https://www.polktaxes.com/polk-county-tax-collector-locations-will-be-closed-on-labor-day/

The Tax Collector’s tag agency partners First Lakeland Tag Agency, Express Auto Tags of North Lakeland, Express Auto Tags of Winter Haven, and Express Auto Tags of Lake Wales are also closed for the holiday.

09/06/2026

HAAAPPPY and Happy Football Season 🏈 to all those who observe. Let’s KICK off, with a way to support your favorite college or university: by purchasing a to benefit its programs!

There are SO MANY to choose from. Whether you purchase a Florida State University plate, or University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida… or ANY of the (numerous) others, the cost to purchase goes to help school programs – and shows your school pride.

Joe says “GO NOLES!” (Want to see the entire catalogue of specialty plates? Visit FLHSMV’s site: https://bit.ly/3Xd82bE).

09/04/2026

Congratulations to the students who dedicated their time & talents to making the documentary. We enjoyed it and were SO impressed with it. We wish you all the most success! Polk County Kids Tag Art

Motion Picture Arts Department Update! Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector's Office - Lakeland Joe G. Tedder, Tax Collector for Polk County - Bartow Polk County Public Schools Harrison School for the Arts

09/04/2026

Hey, it’s always a lot of fun to kick off football season with a friendly rivalry - especially when it’s Noles/Gators, Tax Collector v. Chief Deputy Tax Collector! Today was ‘wear your game day colors’ day at the office!

🏈

09/04/2026

Sharing a message here from Polk County Property Appraiser Neil Combee ⬇

Our Bartow Office will soon undergo updates to enhance accessibility and create an improved experience for our taxpayers. Construction will begin TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th and we expect the project to take approximately 6 - 7 weeks. During this time our team will continue providing assistance to taxpayers through telephone, email, and at our Lakeland & Lake Alfred office locations. Our Services are also available through our website.

09/04/2026

💡Reminder. Our offices will be CLOSED on Monday, September 7, 2026, for Labor Day. Our regular business hours will resume Tuesday, September 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thank you!

Read more here: https://www.polktaxes.com/polk-county-tax-collector-locations-will-be-closed-on-labor-day/

The Tax Collector’s tag agency partners First Lakeland Tag Agency, Express Auto Tags of North Lakeland, Express Auto Tags of Winter Haven, and Express Auto Tags of Lake Wales will also be closed for the holiday on Monday. However, these partners will be open for their regular hours on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

09/03/2026

Congratulations to this new driver, Wyatt Bailey, who passed his Road Test (to get his driver’s license) in Lakeland with a PERFECT 💯 score! That’s an accomplishment!

Great job, Wyatt. 🏅Stay safe out there! To celebrate, we give him (and all who earn a perfect test score) a special challenge coin.

09/03/2026

¡Buenos días, dueños de negocios de ! Queremos ayudarles a ahorrar dinero siempre que sea posible. ☀

Por eso, les recordamos que deben renovar su Recibo de Impuesto Comercial Local del Condado (BTR) (pagar sus impuestos) antes de que termine este mes para evitar cargos por pagos atrasados.

¡Pueden pagar fácilmente en línea! ¿Tiene un negocio nuevo? ¡También puede descargar el formulario en línea!

Sugerimos a los clientes que solo hablan Español que traigan un traductor a nuestra oficina para que podemos darle un servicio preciso y más rápido.

09/02/2026

Congratulations to this new driver, Lily Fleniken, who recently passed her Road Test in Bartow (to get her driver's license) with a PERFECT 💯 score! That’s an accomplishment!

Great job, Lily. 🏅 Stay safe out there! To celebrate, we give her (and all who earn a perfect test score) a special challenge coin.

09/01/2026

September is National DMV Appreciation Month. The perfect time to recognize the incredible lifesaving work happening right at the counter!

Did you know that 90% of organ donor registrations happen at the DMV?
The staff members assisting you are on the front lines of making second chances possible, turning a simple check of a box into an act that saves lives. 💙💚

Through organ, eye and tissue donation, your story continues and we owe a huge thank you to our local DMV team members for helping make it happen.